Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara for a sum of £17million.

The Spaniard has decided to leave the Nou Camp this summer, having become fed up with the limited playing time at the Catalans.

Now, United, who have been following Thiago over the past three years, are set to prize away the youngster from the former European champions.

The Red Devils' representatives have already met Thiago's father, Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho, to discuss about the potential transfer and it has been reported that personal terms have been agreed between the two involved parties.

Thiago will earn about £5m-a-year at United, not a mammoth amount for a player regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in European football.

The report from Daily Mail has indicated that no official announcement will be made before the end of the weekend as United are currently still negotiating terms with Barcelona.

Thiago was the talisman of the Spain team that won the recently held U-21 European Championship in Israel, scoring a monumental hattrick against Italy in the final.

Thiago is adept with the English language and with his close friend David De Gea already plying trades at Old Trafford, he should have little problem adapting to his new environment.

David Moyes has assured Thiago of optimum playing time at the Theatre of Dreams and it could be only a matter of time before the Spain international is formally announced as a United player.